Media release – National

Census Collector jobs + Centrelink = no worries

Australians receiving Centrelink payments are being encouraged to apply for a Census Collector job.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) still needs Census Collectors across Australia to help conduct the Census of Population and Housing on 9 August 2011.

Centrelink has advised the ABS that they will use the amount earned by Collectors in their Income Test calculation at the end of the contract. The income will be assessed as being earned over the length of the contract rather than in one payment period.

Centrelink says by delaying when Collectors earnings are assessed, it allows Age Pensioners to build up a Work Bonus and have a greater amount of earnings discounted.

Head of the Population Census program Paul Lowe says it’s a great result for low income earners who want to contribute to shaping a better future for Australia.

“This is fantastic news. This decision by Centrelink means community minded Collectors will now have more money in their back pocket,” Mr Lowe says.

Census Collectors will receive between $1,300 and $2,800 for the casual position and will be employed from 1 July until 8 September.